Fountainhead Retreat Hotel

Reviewed by Michael Soffe


DISCONNECT THE MOBILE AND THE MIND..............

If you are looking for a complete escape then this is THE one for you just 50 minutes from Malaga airport. It is rare to find a four-bedroomed suite Hotel with such an array of amenities and a wonderful restaurant. The English owners decamped from a stressful life in the UK running a gourmet �restaurant with rooms� some six years ago. They found their paradise on this plot of land with amazing views and surrounded by almond trees in the hills North of Malaga. Their ambitious project, a fabulous restaurant and stunning suites is now completed and will surely become a renowned �escape�. With a blank canvas to start from, their combined architectural and culinary talents have created a �retreat� with immense style. Hidden down a bumpy track (don�t let that put you off!) you will find yourself in a different world.

The emphasis is very much on peace and tranquility � no TV�s, no newspapers and no plug-in points for mobile phones. Absolute privacy is guaranteed and the unobtrusive owners (although there for you if required) will leave you in complete peace. A romantic paradise in which to immerse yourself completely with your loved one!

Low white buildings on a terraced hillside afford views across the almond and olive groves. The Suites are on the lower level with the restaurant on the upper one.

Where possible, eco-friendly materials have been used and even the organic and herbal toiletries are made in-house. You do not get that in many hotels! Add to this, freshly baked bread delivered to your suite door for breakfast, home-made jams, toasted almonds and �historic� olives all made from the Hotel�s own trees and you can see the amount of love and attention to detail that is lavished on the Hotel and its guests. The Hotel is No Smoking except for the terraces outside.

The 4 Suites are all different in style. Each has its own plunge pool and terrace with those inspiring views. All possess a kitchen. Breakfast is not served in the Hotel restaurant and therefore your fridge is fully stocked to meet this need � the fresh bread is placed discreetly outside your door every morning so you are free to choose the time at which you eat. A �chill-out� start to the day! The Suites are equally impressive in their d�cor. The Sultan Suite has a rich turquoise base, The Oriental suite, a striking red and black. The Indian Suite a touch of the Raj, and the Arizona Suite (I am told it is nick-named the �Happy� room as everyone is so happy when they walk in!) is an eclectic mix of bright, almost fluorescent colours. The exotic bathrooms continue the themes. You may be tempted to never leave your suite until dinner as there is a light lunch menu of all sorts of tempting dishes that will be delivered to your door. The suites are heated in the cooler months with eco-friendly wall panels.

The restaurant � well, hard to describe the mouth-watering �Modern World� cuisine on offer, but my starter of a parfait of chicken livers, followed by pan fried duck breast was fabulous. Presentation is paramount and the Chef has a serious reputation. She uses her own organic produce where possible. Yet another beautiful setting with a slightly Japanese feel and those views again. Open to the public, yet never overcrowded with its 20 covers. Meals are reasonably priced, as is the wine-list. We do recommend the three day package that includes dinner for two on a nightly basis.

There is a bath house (with massages available on request) which is proving very popular (treatments should be booked in advance) and a yoga terrace.


An ideal Hotel for those who want a complete escape in a perfect setting � a honeymoon heaven and a walker�s paradise with an unusually high standard of cuisine. An experience, not just a Hotel.